Black History Assembly 2021
In the 30-year history of Shady Hill’s Black History assembly, 2021 marks the first-ever virtually-formatted assembly. This year’s theme, “Black Histories, Black Presents, and Black Futures” continued a student-led tradition of raising awareness of the rich contributions of Black people. It also serves to shine a light on today’s struggles and the hope and determination we feel as we strive for a more equitable and inclusive future.
“Now more than ever, Black people, non-Black people of color, and white co-conspirators must work together to dismantle systemic racism and to create change. We know this work is never finished and requires our continued focus and commitment,” said Head of School Mark Stanek as he opened the program.
Following Mark’s remarks, students, employees, and guest speaker and renowned storyteller Len Cabral honored the achievements and contributions of Black people in the U.S. and the world through music, stories, poems, experiences, and contributions.
Performances and sharings included:
- A ‘Protest Chant Medley’ created by Shady Hill employees to amplify chants commonly heard at Black Lives Matter protests
- Grade V reciting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech
- Two stories told by guest speaker and renowned storyteller Len Cabral
- The Gold Jazz Band performing “So What” by acclaimed jazz musician Miles Davis
- II Wall reading Maya Angelou’s poems “Caged Bird” and “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me”
- Eighth-graders Sophia G., Maggie C., and Kamen K. with a remixed performance of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”
- An overview of ‘Two Incredible Modern Black Activists’ by eighth-graders Liliana S. and Jake K.
- Grade VI students reciting Poetry for Black Futures including poems by Audre Lorde, Amanda Gorman, and Nate Marshall.
- A choral performance by Shady Hill community members of John Legend’s song “If You’re Out There”
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Black History Assembly 2021
Protest Chant Medley
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Black History Assembly 2021
Grade V - I Have a Dream
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Black History Assembly 2021
"So What" - Gold Jazz Band
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Black History Assembly 2021
II Wall Poetry
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Black History Assembly 2021
Three Modern Black Activists
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Black History Assembly 2021
"Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" Remix
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Black History Assembly 2021
Grade VI- Poetry for Black Futures
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Black History Assembly 2021
"If You're Out There"
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